The Philadelphia Phillies picked up their first win in Grapefruit League play on Wednesday with a 5-3 win over the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday at BayCare Ballpark.
Afterwards, Rob Thomson provided an update on an outfielder who will miss time over the next few days.
Outfielder Brandon Marsh is dealing with inflammation and soreness in his hand, per The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Lochlan March.
According to Thomson, Marsh jammed his hand into the ground during sliding practice yesterday and has some inflammation/soreness. March also reported that the Phillies are “being cautious with him, and he likely won’t play until after Monday’s off day.”
Marsh will be part of the left field platoon with Otto Kemp this season and looks to build off a strong season at the plate slashing .303/.358/.478 with an .836 OPS since May 3, putting behind a woeful March/April where he hit .095 (4-for-42) with 16 strikeouts before missing some time with an injury and having a rehab assignment in Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
Aidan Miller is dealing with back soreness, which was originally reported by MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki earlier this week after Bryce Harper broke the injury news during his in-game interview on Sunday.
"Just treatments, and he's starting to ramp up a little bit in the weight room," manager Rob Thomson said after Wednesday's exhibition win over the Tigers. "He's feeling a little bit better; we're just gonna be precautious with him and take our time."
Dave Dombrowski confirmed on the 94.1 WIP Morning Show on Wednesday that there is no time frame for the top prospect’s return.
Miller is expected to see time at shortstop, third base and perhaps even second base this spring as the Phillies plan to give him an extended look before most likely heading to Triple-A Lehigh Valley to start the 2026 season.
Last season, he slashed .259/.382/.427 with an .810 OPS in 108 games with Double-A Reading with 13 home runs and 41 RBIs. In eight games in Triple-A, he went 9-for-27 at the plate, good for a .333 average with a pair of doubles and a home run. He stole seven bases in those eight contests to give him a career-best 59 in 116 total games.
Outfielder Gabriel Rincones Jr. is also still out of commission, dealing with knee soreness as reported by The Athletic’s Matt Gelb on February 12. There has been no update on the left-handed slugger’s return, which is a tough blow for the 24-year-old, who potentially could have had a chance to make the Opening Day roster as a bat to come off the bench.
Last season, Rincones Jr. mashed right-handed pitchers, slashing .261/.392/.480 with an .873 OPS, with all 18 of his home runs coming against righties.
Kerkering has yet to pitch this spring due to a right hamstring strain, per Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer. The right-hander is one of the more important arms in the bullpen for the Phillies heading into the season. Last year he posted a 3.30 ERA in 60 innings of work with a 1.37 WHIP with 65 strikeouts in 69 appearances.
